Joetta Joan "Dot" O'Shea

With sadness Joetta Joan “Dot” O’Shea, 94, of Westmoreland, formerly of Blaine passed peacefully January 13, 2024, at Wellsprings of Westmoreland.

Dot, the 9th child of 10, was born on the family farm southwest of Flush on October 31, 1929, to Julius and Clara (Winter) Umscheid.  She attended grade school and graduated from Flush High School.
 
Dot married Patrick J O’Shea, June 21, 1951, in Flush Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 2, 2013.  In her early years, Dot was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Flush.  After her marriage to Pat, she became an active member of St. Columbkille Church in Blaine.  She held several positions including Treasurer and member of the parish council and the Altar Society.

As a farmer’s wife, Dot helped with everyday farming operations while raising a family of seven children with her husband Pat.  She also drove a school bus for approximately 5 years and worked 25 years in housekeeping, laundry, and kitchen at the Westmoreland Care Home.  While doing so, she always prepared a hot meal, ready on the table, for her family.  

Dot and Pat lost everything in a fire in April 2009. Rebuilding the home place was hard but rewarding with the support of their family, friends, and the Blaine community.  Dot moved off the farm in January 2018 next door to her daughter Debra.  With Debra’s help it allowed Dot to remain in her own home until October 2023.

Dot had a heart of gold and was the best sister, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed family holiday gatherings as she was always handed the spoon to make the gravy.  Homemade rolls, fried chicken, roast beef, and of course homemade noodles were her specialties.

Dot is survived by son Steve (Kellie), Blaine; daughters Patsy (Steve) Campbell, Westmoreland; Debra O’Shea, Westmoreland; Lisa McAdams, Manhattan; Vicky (Russ) Geyer, Flush; Colleen (Dan) Janatello, Shawnee; Son-in-law Greg Parsons, Topeka. Grandchildren are Shane O’Shea, Winter (O’Shea) Warth, Shannon and Skylar O’Shea, Kaleb and Kyle Campbell, Whitney (McAdams) Conard, Taylor (McAdams) McClain, Leah, George and Sophie Parsons, Patrick and Brandon Geyer, Alexis, Anthony & Aidan Janatello and 19 great-grandchildren; Sister-in-law, Marie Umscheid (Flush); Brother-in-law Robert (Joan) O’Shea, Oskaloosa; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Dot is preceded in death by her parents, husband Patrick, daughter Laurie O’Shea Parsons, son-in-law Mike McAdams, sisters Angie Ekart, Flossie Riley, Regina Compton, Cassie Compton, Pauline Brown, Pat Horgan, and Norma Minihan and brothers Mark Umscheid and Junior Umscheid.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Blaine, Kansas.  Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.  The family will greet friends prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30 am and a rosary prayer service will be held at 10:30 am.  They suggest, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Columbkille Altar Society and may be sent in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.